Bedard skates, but timeline to return remains same

Moments before Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson was set to address the media Monday, a reporter jumped from their seat and left the media room at Fifth Third Arena.

A cameraman followed seconds later.

All the hubbub was really much ado about nothing, with Connor Bedard simply doing a bit of skating, puck handling and light shooting after the Hawks practiced. But that's the Bedard effect at this point – when he appears, people jump.

“He’s been begging and they said it’s OK, but he’s been given specific instructions,” Richardson said. “He’s not allowed to take slap shots (because) he’s not allowed to really clench. So if they see that they might pull a rug out from under him.”

The appearance doesn't change Bedard's six-to-eight week timeline to return, but it certainly shows how much he loves this sport.

Nick Foligno, who broke a finger during a fight with the Devils' Brendan Smith on January 5, was also skating. Richardson's best guess is for Foligno to return after the Hawks' off week on Feb. 7 when they host Minnesota.

“He's a veteran guy, and he'll know what he needs to do to play in a hockey game,” Richardson said. “Otherwise, you can't say you're ready, and then you get out there in the first period, we're down to forward again. We've had that enough this year.”

Richardson believes Foligno and Tyler Johnson are closest to returning off injured reserve and then Anthony Beauvillier. There is still no timeline for Andreas Athanasiou, who has played in only 13 games and is out with a groin injury.

The Hawks (12-29-2, .302 winning percentage) host San Jose (10-31-3, .261 winning percentage) on Tuesday. They are the worst two teams in the NHL, with the Sharks having dropped having dropped 14 of 15.

He said it

"It's awesome. How old is he? I can't believe he's got two more years in him."

Jason Dickinson, needling Nick Foligno, who signed a 2-year contract extension last week